Dipper-tripping device



Jane 29 1929.,

C. E. CLUTTER ET AL DIPPER TRIPPING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 12, 1925 //V1//VTO/?. ,O/APL 5 E. 64 4/775? 3L qu/s R. RUSSELL.

,4 TTOR/VEW Jam, 2:39, 1929 C. E. CLUTTER ET AL.

DIPPER TRIPPING DEVICE Filed Oct. 12, 1925 2 SheetsSheet 2 5 2 0,, mEEE WEQ //\/l//\/7 0R5. CHAFLESE. CLUTTER LOU/5 R. RUSSELL.

Patented Jan. 29, 1929.

- UNITED v STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES E. CLU'ITER AND LOUIS R. RUSSELL, OF MARION, OHIO, ASSIGNORS TO THE MARION STEAM SHOVEL COMPANY, OF MARION,'OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

. DIPPER-TRI PPIN G DEVICE.

Application filed October 12, 1925. Serial No. 1,957.

This invention relates to a cable actuating device and is designed more particularly for use in connection with a dipper tripping cable of an excavating machine, such as a power.

operated shovel,

One object of the invention-is to provide mechanically operated means, under the control of the operator, for tripping the dipper.

A further object of the invention is to pro-,

vide means for maintaining the tripping cable taut in all positions of thedipper, so that a short pull on the cable will trip the dipper;

A further object of the invention is to pro vide zr controlling device for the tripping cable which will be actuated in accordance with the movements of the dipper to maintain the cable taut and which may be actuated independently of the movement of the dipper to cause a pull tobe exerted on the cable sufficient to trip the dipper. I

A further object of the invention is to provide a tripping device of this character which will be simple in its construction and operation and which may be easily installed on the excavating machine. v Other objects of the invention will appear as the device is described in detail.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevation ofethe forward portion of, a, power shovel showing our invention applied thereto; Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the closure for the dipper; Fig. 3 is a side eleva-v tion of the controlling device]; Fig. 4 is a 7 ,embodiment has been chosen for the purpose of illustration only and that the controlling mechanism may take various forms and that it may be used in connection with excavating dippers or the like of various kinds.

The excavating mechanism here illustrated comprises parts of a power operated shovel of awell known type and need not be described in detail. In brief it comprises a platform 1 which carries the power plant and operating mechanism and on which is mounted a cab 52 to enclose the mechanism carried 'by the platform. Extending upwardly and forwardly from thefront'end of the cab is the, boom 3. A dipper handle 4 is mounted on the boom between its ends for both longitudinal movement and swinging movement and is provided on its lower edge .with rack teeth 5 which engage pinions on the shipper shaft 6, carried by the boom, for imparting longitudinal movement to the dipper handle.

The shipper shaft is operated by the usual crowding engine 7 also mounted on the boom. A dipper 8 is secured to the outer end of the dipper handle and is moved towardand from i the boom or supporting structure, by the 1011- gitudinal movement of the dipper handle. Dippers of this type discharge their contents through the bottom thereof and for this purpose the dipper is provided at its bottom with a movable'closure or door 9 which is carried 7 by arms 10 which arepivotally connected with the back wall of the dipper. Slidably mounted onthe closure or door 9 is latch bar or bolt 11 which, when the closure is in its closed position, is adapted to engage a keeper 12 rigidly secured to the dipper and thus retain-the closure in its closed position. The rear end of the latch is pivotally connected. with a lever 13 pivotally mounted at one end,

as sliown at 14, on theclosure and having 8 connected with its other end a cable 15 by means of which it may be actuated to release the closure and permit the'same to open by gravity. 'In applying our invention to an excavating mechanism of thischaracter we provide means first for maintaining the tripping cable taut in all positions of the dipper, and, second, for actuating or exerting a pull on the cable for actuating the latch bar to release the closure, that is, to trip the dipper. 95,-

Theseresults may be secured with mechanisms of various kinds and in the particular form of the invention here shown we have connected the tripping cable with and wound the same about a drum 16 which is rotated in accordance with the longitudinal movement of the dipper handle 4 and is of sucha diameter that it will take up and pay out the tripping cable according to the movements of the dipper handle, thus maintaining the tripping cable taut at all times as the dipper moves toward and from its supporting structure or boom. While the drum 16 will keep the cable 15 free from slack it will not exert a suflicient pull thereon to trip the dipper but willmaintipn.

tain thecable suficiently taut to enable the dipper to be tripped by a short pull on the cable. In the present device we have utilized the shipper shaft 6, which actuates the dipper 5 handle,'as the actuating means for the drum and for this purpose we prefer to secure directly to the shipper shaft a supporting structure for the drum. As hereshown, this supporting structure comprises an enlarged inner end portion or head 17 which is provided with an axialrecess 1,8 to receive the end of the shipper shaft 6 which is rigidly secured there- 4 to by a pin 19. Projecting outwardly from the enlarged portion or head 17 of the sup 1 porting structure is an elongated stud or shaft 20 on which the drum 16 is mounted, the

. drum being provided at its rear end'with a central bearing 21 to receive the elongated stud. .The drum is provided with an axial 2 bore 22 constituting a cylinder, the rear end of the cylinder being closed by an integral head 23, in which the bearing 21 is formed, and the outer end of the cylinder being closed by a cylinder head 24, the peripheral portion 25 of which extends beyond the outer surface of the drum and constitutes one of the flanges of the drum, as shown at 25. Rigidly secured to the elongated stud 20 within the cylinder 22 is a piston 26, which also serves as a support for the outer end of the drum. The combined drum and cylinder is mounted on the ,elon-' gatedstud 20 for both rotatory and sliding movement but is connected therewith in such a manner that itwil'l be caused normally to rotate with-the supporting structure and shipper shaft. i As here shown, the elongated stud is provided with a spiral groove 27 into which extends the smooth inner end of a screw 28 mounted in the inner cylinder head 23. A spring 29 coiledabout thestud 20 between the piston and the inner cylinder head serves to mold the combined drum and cylinder norma ly in its retracted position, in which its rear endisiin Contact with the head 17 of the supporting structure. When in this position the pin 28 will engage the end of the spiral groove and establish a positive connection 1 between the drum and the supporting struc ture when the latter is rotated in one direc- When the supporting structure is rotated in the opposite direction the pull on the drum will not be sufiicient to overcome the tensionof the spring 29 and consequently the drum willrotate' with the supporting structure in that direction also. Thus it will take up or pay out the slack in the tripping cable 15 according tothe direction in which the dipper handle is moved. a v

Y The supporting structure is provided with an axial bore or passageway 30 which extends 2 through the forward end'of. the stud 20 and communicates with the cylinder in front of the piston 26. "At its rear end this passageway comm'unicateswith a radial passageway 31, in the head 17 of the supporting structure,

rotatable and in which the supporting structure is free to rotate. This stufiing box comprises a body. portion or sleeve 33 having annular recesses formed in the inner face thereof and at each end thereof to receive packing rings 34. These packing rings are engaged by glands 35 which are pressed against the packing rings by means of bolts 36 extending through the same and through the sleeve, 33, so as to provide a steam tight joint between the supporting structure and'the stuffing box. Thestuiiing box is held against axial movement by means of a screw 37 mounted in the sleeve 33 of the stufling box and having a smooth inner end which extends into the annular groove 32. The sleeve 33 is provided with a passageway 38. which communicates with the circumferential groove 32 in all positions of the supporting structure with relation to the stufiing box. A pipe 39 screw threaded into the outer end of the passageway 38 serves to connect'the passageway 38 with a suitable source of supply of fluid under pressure, such as steam. This pipe'being stationary serves also to hold the stufli'ng box against rotation. Inthe present device the supply pipe 39 is connected with the steamsupply line for the crowding engine 7. Interposed in the pipe 39 is a controlling valve 40 which is preferably a three-ray valve and the third port of which communicates with an exhaust pipe 41. The valve is provided with an actuating arm 42 and a spring '43 acting on this arm serves to hold the valve normally in a position to connect the cylinder with the exhaust pipe. An actuating cable 44 is connected with the arm 42 for moving the same against the tension of the spring 43 and, as here shown, this cable extends rearwardly about a guide pulley 45 at the top of the cab 2 and thence downwardly-and is connected at its lower end with a treadle' or foot lever 46. It is also provided with a hand grip 47, so

that the cable 44 may be actuated either by,

the hand or foot of the operator to manipu late the valve 40.

In the normal operation of the device the combined drumand cylinder is held in its innermost position by the spring 29 and is caused to rotate with the supporting structure and shipper shaft to maintain the tripping cable 15 taut as the dipper moves toward and from the boom. Whenit is desired to trip the dipper the valve 40 is mani aulated to connect the-cylinder with the source of steam supply and the steam entering the cylinder between the cylinder head 24 and the pisto moves the cylinder and drum axially of the elongated stud 20 and as the pin 28 travels along the spiral slot 27 the drum is caused to rotate with relation to the stud 20, thereby imparting to the trippingcable a sufficient pull to actuate the latch bar 11 and release the closure, When the dipper has been dumped and it is desired to again latch the closure in its closed position the valve 40 is released and returned to its normal position by the spring 43, thereby permitting the steam to exhaust from the cylinder and permitting the spring to restore the cylinder and drum to its normal position.

The outer cylinder head 24 is shown as provided with a drain cock 48 to permit the escape of products of condensation from the cylinder and the inner cylinder head is provided with a drain port 49 to permit the escape of any steam or liquid which may pass the piston and enter the rear portion of the cylinder. The bearing portion of thecylinder is also provided with a lubricating cup 50 to provide proper lubrication for the bearing surfaces of'the drum and elongated stud.

While we have shown and described one embodiment of our invention we wish it to be understood that we do not desire to be limited to the details thereof as various modifications may occur to a person skilled in y the art,

Having now fully described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a cable actuating device, a drum about which the cable may be wound, means independentof the cable iior imparting axial movementto said drum, and means controlled by the axialmovement of said drum for rotating the same and causing a pull to be exerted on said cable.

2. In a cable actuating device, a drum about which the cable maybe wound, means for rotating said drum'to maintain said cable taut,=means for imparting axial movement to said drum, and means for causing the axial movement of said drum to impart a further rotation to saiddrum and exert a pull on said cable,

3. In a cable actuating device, a part com- I prising a drum about which the cable may be wound, a second part comprising a sup-? port for said drum, one of said parts being capable of axial movement with relation to the other, means independent of the cable, for imparting axial movement to said axially movable part, and means for causing the" axial movement of said part to impart rotationto said drum and exert a pull on said cable. I 4-. In a'ca'ble actuating device, two parts one of which comprises a drum about which the cablemay be wound and one-of which is capable of axial movement-With relation to the other, means for rotating said drum to maintain said cable taut, means-controlled by the axial movement of said axially movable part for imparting a further I'Ot fltlOIl to said drum and exerting a pull on said cable, and means for imparting axial movement to said part.

5. In a cable actuating device, a hollow drum about which the cable may be wound,

means for rotating said'drum to maintain said cable taut, and means within said hollow drum for causing the further rotation thereof, which further rotation will exert a pull on said cable.

6. In a cable actuating device, a hollow drum about which the cable may be wound, means for rotating said drum to maintain said cable taut, and a fluid operated device arranged within said hollow drum to impart a further rotation thereto and cause a pull to be exerted on said cable.

7. In a cable actuating device, a rotatable supporting member, ahollow drum mounted on said supporting member and about which said cable may be wound, said drum being rotatable with said supporting member to maintain said, cable taut, and means within said hollow drum for rotating the same with relation to said supporting member to cause a pull to be exerted on said cable.

8. I11 a cable actuating device, a rotatable supporting member, a drum mounted on said supporting member and about which said cable may be wound, said drum being rotatable with said supporting member to'main- ,tain said cable taut, means for causing axial movement to be imparted to said drum with relation to said supporting member, and means for causing said 'axial movement to impart a further rotation to said drum and thus exert a pull on said cable. a

9. In a cable actuating device, a rotatable supporting member, a hollow drum mounted on said supporting member and about which said cable may be wound, said drum being rotatable with said sup'portin member to maintain said cable taut, and fIuid operated means within said hollow drum for rotating the same with relation to said supporting member to cause a cable.

10. In a cable actuating device, a support-.

ing structure having means for connecting the same with a shaft for rotation thereby, a drum mounted on said supporting structure pull to be exerted on said for rotation therewith and adapted to receive said cable and maintain the same taut, and means for rotating said drum with relation to said supporting structure to cause a pull to be exerted on said cable.

11. In a. cable actuating device, support I ing struc 'for imparting axial movement to said drum with relation to said supporting structure, and means controlled by said axial move-7 ment for rotating said drum with relation to said supporting structure to exert a pull on said cable. I

12. In a cable actuating device, a cylindrical member having an outer portion form- 1 ing a drum on which the cable may be wound,

a piston member mounted within said cylinder, one of said members being movable with relation to the other, means controlled by the movement of said movable member for imparting rotatory movement to said drum, and means for introduging fluid under pressure into said cylinder.

13. In a cable actuating device, a rotatable supporting member, a drum mounted on said supporting member for rotation therewith and having an axial bore constituting a cylinder, a piston mounted in said cylinder, means for introducing fluid under pressure between said piston and the end of said cylinder to impart axial movement to one of said members, and means controlled by the axial movement of the member so moved to impart rotatory movement to said drum with relation to said supporting member.

14. In a cable actuating device, a drum on which the cable may be wound, an elongated member on which the drum is rotatably and slidably mounted, means for rotating said elongated member and said drum to maintain said cable taut, means to move said drum axiall of said elongated member, and means contro led by the axial movement of said drum to cause the same to rotate on said elongated member.

15. In a cable actuating device, a'drum on which said cable may be wound, an elongated 1 member on which said drum is rotatably and said cable taut, fluid operated means to move said drum axially of said elongated member, a connection between said drum and said elongated member to cause the axial movement of said drum to "impart rotat'ory movement thereto, and a spring, for holding said drum in its normal position.

17. In a cableactuating device, a drum on which said cable may be wound, said drum having an axial bore constituting a cylinder, an elongated -member on which said drum is rotatably and slidably mounted, said elon- I gated member extending into said cylinder, a piston mounted on said elongated member within said cylinder, means for introducing fluid under pressure in said cylinder in advance of said piston to impart axial move ment to said drum, and means controlled by the axial movement of said drum to cause the same to rotate on said elongated member.

18. In a cableactuating device, a drum on which said cable may be wound, said drum having anaxial bore constituting a cylinder, an elongated member on which said drum is rotatably and slidably mounted,said elongated member extending intosaid cylinder, a piston mounted on said elongated member within said cylinder, said elongated member having a passageway extending through the same and communicating with said cylinder in advance of saidpiston, means for connecting said passageway with a source of supply for fluid under pressure, and means controlled by the axial movement of said drum to cause the same to rotate with relation to said elongated member.

19. In a cable actuating device, a drum on which said cable may be wound, said drum having an axial boreconstituting a cylinder,

an elongated member on which said drum is rotatably and slidably mounted, said elongated member extending into said cylinder, a piston mounted on said elongated member within said cylinder, said elongated member having a passageway extending through the same and communicating with said cylinder in advance of said piston, means for connecting said passageway with a source of supply for fluid under pressure, means controlled by the axial movement of said drum to cause the same to rotate with relation to said elongated member, and a spring acting on said drum to return the same to its initial position.

20. In a cable actuating device, a cylinder, the outer surface of which constitutes a drum on which the cable may be wound, said cylin der having a hearing at one end thereof and having its other end closed, an elongated member extending through said bearing and into said cylinder, said cylinder being capable of both axial and rotatory movement on said elongated member, a piston mounted on said Jon llO

elongated member in said cylinder, a spring confined between said piston and the end of said cylinder to hold the latter normally against movement on said elongated member,

said elongated member having a spiral groove and said cylinder having a projection extending into said spiral groove, whereby the axial movement of said cylinder will cause the same to rotate about said elongated member, said elongatedmember also having a longitudinal passageway communicating with said cylinder in advance of said piston, and means for connecting said passageway with a source of supply for fluid under pressure.

21. In a cable actuating device, a rotatable supporting member, a drum rotatably and slidably mounted on said supporting membet and about which the cable may be .wound,

said drum having an axial bore constituting acylinder, the outer end of which is closed, a piston mounted Within said cylinder and connected with said supporting member, a

spring confined between said piston and the inner end ofsaid cylinder to retain said drum normally in its retracted position, said supporting member having alongitudinal pas-. sageway communicating with said cylinder in advance of said piston and having a circumferential groove formed thereinbeyond the inner end of said drum and commurycating with said passageway, a stationary stuffing box mounted on said supporting member and having a passageway communicating with said circumferential groove, and a pipe connected with the passageway in said stu'if-- ing box and adapted to connect the same with a source of supply for fluid under pressure. 22. Ina cable actuating device, a'rotatable supporting member, a druni rotatably and slidably mounted on said supporting member and about which the cable may be wound, said drum having an axial bore constituting a cylinder, the outer end of which is closed, a piston mounted within said cylinder and connected with said supporting member, a spring confined between said piston and the inner end of said cylinder to retain said drum normally in its retracted position, said supporting member having a longitudinal passageway communicating'with said cylinder in advance of said piston and having a cir- ,cumferential groove formed therein beyond the inner end of said drum and communicating with said passageway, a stationary stutl-" ing box mountedon said supporting member and having a passageway communicating with said circumferential groove, a pipe connected with the passageway in said stufing boxand adapted to connect the same with a source oi. supply for fluid under pressure, a

valve in said pipe, a spring for holding said valve normally in its closed position, 'andmeans for actuating said valve.

23. In a mechanism of the character described, a controlling device adapted to be connected with a part to be'actuated, a supportin member on which said controlling device is rotatably and slidably mounted, and means for rotating said supporting member and said controlling device, means for imparting axial movement to said controlling device with relation to said supporting member, and means controlled by the axial movement of said controlling'device to cause the same to rotate on said supporting structure.

24. In a mechanism of the character described,-a controlling device adapted to be connected with a part to be actuated an'd having an integral part constituting a cylinder, a supporting-member on which said controlling device is rotatably and slidably mounted,

said supporting member extending into said cylinder, a piston mounted on said supporting member, within said cylinder, means for A introducing fluid under pressure into said cylinder in advance of said piston to impart axial movement to said cylinder and said controlling device with relation to said supporting member, said supporting member having a spiral groove formed therein, and a projection carried by said controlling member and extending into said spiral groove, whereby the axial movement of said controlling member will cause it to rotate on said supporting member.

a In testimony whereof, we aflix our signatures hereto? CHARLES E. OLUTTER. LOUIS R. RUSSELL. 

